What Does CADR Mean and Why Does It Matter?


When shopping for an air purifier, you'll often see the term CADR on the box or product description. But what does it actually mean and why should you care?

What Is CADR?

CADR stands for Clean Air Delivery Rate. It's a reliable, standardized measure of how effective an air purifier is at removing pollutants from the air in your home.

The three pollutants CADR measures are:

  • Pollen – Often triggers seasonal allergies
  • Dust – Common indoor particles like pet dander, lint, and skin flakes
  • Smoke – The smallest particles, including those from tobacco or wildfires

Each air purifier receives a separate CADR score for pollen, dust, and smoke. The higher the score, the better the unit is at cleaning that particular pollutant from the air.

Why CADR Is Useful

CADR makes it easy to compare different air purifiers based on actual performance not just marketing claims.

Here’s how it can help:

  • Suffer from hay fever or seasonal allergies? Choose a purifier with a high pollen CADR.
  • Worried about dust build-up? Look for a high dust CADR.
  • Live with a smoker or concerned about fine particles? Go for a high smoke CADR.

What About Room Size?

Each purifier tested by AHAM (the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) also includes a recommended room size. This is based on the purifier’s ability to remove 80% of smoke particles in a room, assuming one full air exchange per hour.

This makes it easier to choose the right purifier for your specific room size, ensuring you get the best performance.

Who Tests CADR?

CADR testing is carried out by AHAM, an independent organization. The method is recognized by:

  • The American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Energy Star® program for air purifiers

This ensures the test results are accurate, unbiased, and trustworthy.

Not All Brands Use CADR

Some air purifier brands don’t submit their products for CADR testing. While this doesn’t necessarily mean their products are ineffective, it does mean you can’t compare their performance as easily or reliably.

At Breathing Space, we understand just how important CADR ratings are when making the right choice. Your air purifier is an investment in your health and well-being so it's important to make an informed decision.

Tip: Always look for the AHAM Verified® seal on the box. It’s your assurance that the CADR scores are legitimate and the product has been independently tested.

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